LH Thomas Stelzer and Social Counselor Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (both ÖVP) announced this on Wednesday. The first transit refugees who want to travel to another EU country to reach family members or acquaintances have already arrived in Upper Austria on Wednesday night.
The state is therefore activating the first emergency sleep quarters as a preventative measure, according to Stelzer and Hattmannsdorfer. From Thursday night, three transit quarters for Ukrainian refugees will be available along the Westautobahn, which have been activated together with the Red Cross and the Federal Agency for care and support services. In addition, another transit quarters in Linz should go into operation by Thursday at the latest, further accommodations can follow if necessary.
Confusing situation
“We have been preparing to accommodate Ukrainians who need our protection and assistance since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. With the activation of the first quarters, we are ensuring safe accommodation for those who are already experiencing incredible hardships and an exhausting managed to flee,” said Stelzer. “The situation is still very confusing and we have no information about large flows of refugees,” said Hattmannsdorfer. But “we are prepared for the worst case scenario” and “additional capacities could be activated in several expansion stages as required”.
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An Austria-wide hotline was set up to coordinate the allocation. People who have fled from Ukraine, but also their relatives and acquaintances can call the number +43 1 2676 870 9460 report and they will be assigned a free quarters. There is also a hotline for people who want to provide private quarters for refugees (+43 732 7720 – 16 200 or by e-mail to nachbarschaftshilfe@ooe.gv.at).
In addition, the state and the Volkshilfe Upper Austria Fundraiser started. Donations in kind are accepted in the 22 Volkshilfe shops throughout Upper Austria. The campaign is coordinated from the Volkshilfe shop and donation store in Linz. There is a long-term partnership with the organization “Narodna Dopomoha” in the Ukraine, which provides on-site support with the distribution of relief supplies. Above all, baby hygiene items and diapers, women’s hygiene items, bandages, blankets, sleeping bags, battery-operated headlamps, fever-reducing painkillers and antibiotics in their original packaging, as well as blood pressure medication and non-perishable food are needed.
“Putin’s attack on Ukraine leaves me stunned and concerned. And I am deeply moved that in 21st century Europe people have to seek shelter from bombs in subway stations and have to leave their country to flee the war,” he said Michael Schodermayr, chairman of Volkshilfe Oberösterreich, “we as Volkshilfe will help with all our resources”. The SPÖ also collects donations in kind, which can be handed in at the state office and in the district offices and are then forwarded to Volkshilfe.
Source: Nachrichten
